Also, if the Magic can play defense and rebound as well as they did against the Raptors, I like their chances against the Pistons. They held the Raptors to an average of just over 99 points in the series, which is impressive against a good offensive team like the Raptors. I saw a stat that the Pistons are 34-1 this season when scoring 100+ points, so the Magic have to concentrate on holding the Pistons below 100.

any computer links for this game? Im stuck at work

Hi, I just discovered this blog and as an impartial (sort of—I actually hate the Pistons and so was kind of rooting for the Magic) wanted to offer my thoughts.

First off, I just want to make it clear that I really am trying to add to the discussion, not slam anyone, so please don’t take offense to any of this. Just a few impressions I had from this game:

-Keyon Dooling provides an amazing spark off the bench. Strong D, explosive energy….a great role player on a championship team.

-Hedo really moves like lightning. I’ve always liked his game, but right now I’d have to say he and Lamar Odom are easily the 2 most versatile players in this league.

-Dwight Howard is not quite as good as I expected. His stats make him appear better than he really is. I don’t mean this harshly, but honestly. He relies on his incredible physique and athleticism far too much, and has very little polish on his game at all. Detroit actually has the big bodies to take away his strength advantage, and he looked lost as a result. He is not quite Superman yet, not even close. With a true dominant big man, you can throw it into the post nearly every single time with confidence, and his amazing repertoire of moves will either get a bucket or draw enough attention to open up things for other guys. Howard truly doesn’t have many consistent moves, he relies on his athleticism far more than he should. Hakeem Olajuwon or Kareem would be a better assistant coach than Ewing, because they could “finesse-up” his game and take him to the next level.

Dwight Howard needs to be meaner. By all accounts he’s a great guy, but I saw the same thing out of him that I saw out of Carmelo-both were laughing and smiling when their teams were down. If a guy like Dwight can stay as focused and intense as a guy like Jason Maxiell, that really would be scary.

-Will JJ Reddick spend less time on his hair if he gets more minutes? lol I hope so, becuase the spikes out of the back of his head are creepy. Looks like Keanu Reeves from Constantine.

-To be honest, there’s not much you guys are missing. You have great shooting, great role players. I see two holes that, when filled, can make you championship contenders:

1) One more go-to guy on the offensive end. When all else fails, you need a guy who can get you a bucket no matter what. Ideally this would be Dwight, but he hasn’t reached that point yet. Right now Hedo fills that role, but if Tayshaun can slow down Kobe, you can’t expect Hedo to have an easy time. An upgrade at the 2 is necessary here, but of course, there’s not a lot of available 2 guards out there.

2) More defensive intensity. The parts are there. Long athletic wings, a beast of a rebounder/blocker in the paint. They just need to stay focused on that end for 48 minutes, and I think Stan VG will get them there.

I like the Magic, even if I’m not a real fan. I hope Otis Smith can tie up the loose ends. You guys have a great, young team, so keep your heads up, and best of luck.

Hey all…I am not here to talk obnoxious crap. Just here for good playoff discussion. I respect your Magic. I just know that you are not even close enough to compete with us. We beat you up the other night, and we are still yet to play a complete game this year in the playoffs. I will say….I do think the Pistons would be SO much better with a different coach. I am not a fan of Flip Saunders. This whole ‘flip the switch’ mentality the pistons are known for these days came with Flip Saunders. Larry Brown would NEVER of allowed that mentality.
You have to respect what Joe Dumars has with this team. I understand down in Orlando you guys are not familiar with Rodney Stuckey, Aaron Afflalo, Jason Maxiell, Amir Johnson….but listen….you will know them soon!!! These guys can play!! Makes us excited for years to come!!
I like the Magic. Hedo, I like, but he plays no D…..D Howard is awesome, except for when he plays us….I say that knowing that he will get his,,,,but you can even ask him….his hardest opponet to play against is the Pistons.
We held you guys(the 6th best scoring team this year) to 72 in the playoffs. Thats impressive. Lets see how you respond Monday night. Lets see if we can put a complete game together…I will say…and you have to agree…..we can win games like the other night when we dont really play that great…..you guys…to beat us, you need to play perfect basketball. Sorry to say…...So Good luck!!! And yes….we will take care of Boston in the ECF!!!!!! I love playoff basketball!!!! Yes, I am a Pistons season tix holder!!!!!